Green eggs and Easter

Photo by Heather R. Breaux

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When Sue Kruse of Boutte stopped by a Ponchatoula feed store last Easter to buy a baby chick for her great-granddaughter Brittany, little did she know that the black-and-emerald feathered bird she chose had a surprise in store for the family - it would soon be laying green eggs.

The exact species of Cutie - a name Brittany thought suited her new friend well, is somewhat of a mystery.

Kruse says that she isn't sure what type of chicken the bird is, but fowl enthusiasts indicate that chickens who lay pastel-colored green eggs are primarily found in South America and originate in the Araucana family.

“The first time Cutie laid an egg was definitely an interesting experience,” said Kruse. “Not only was her egg green, but she hatched it in the front seat of my husband's truck.”

It would appear that Cutie took it upon herself to find the perfect nesting spot when she flew into the unrolled window of her owner's pick-up truck. But what is more apparent is the notion that like most humans, this hen has a uniquely defined personality.

Kruse says that in the warmer months Cutie lays on her side in the yard, stretches out her legs as far as they can go and sun bathes in the summer sun.

There's no argument that this hen not only rules the roost, but the front porch.  That's right, Cutie sleeps in a dog kennel right outside of Kruse's front door.

And Kruse adds that Cutie's green eggs taste no different than the store-bought white ones.

“The yolk is just a little darker than your normal egg,” said Kruse. “But they taste pretty good.”